“God of all creation, this is your vineyard, this is your olive orchard which you have generously shared with us. We thank you for your generosity and for your love, because through it, humanity has been able to live, grow, and be nurtured generation after generation. You have given us a precious gift, the gift of this earth, which was created with great care and love. Therefore, it is only right for us to do the same.
“Give us the wisdom and the courage to care, love, and protect what you so lovingly gave us. Help us embrace our call as stewards of this earth and to make it our constant mission in life. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey toward your infinite light.”
The Very Rev. Victor Valdez
Rector, San Fernando Cathedral
Lt. Col. Harold Reich, known fondly as “Soupy,” said that Brackenridge Park was his home away from home, particularly in the summers. He lived on Queen Anne Court across Broadway. Not only did he swim at Lambert Beach, but he also worked in the concession stand at Lambert Beach. Col Reich was very entrepreneurial, helping people whose cars were stranded in the low water crossing. His mother gave him rags to wipe off the spark plugs that were wet. Often the thankful driver would give him a nickel, and on a good day 25 cents.
In the 1920s, he saddled donkeys for Mr. Ernest Young, nicknamed “Peg” for his wooden leg, who gave the children rides on the donkeys donated by the Rotary Club. He loves the park and visits as often as he can.
